Gov. Bruce Rauner recently added several key communication personnel to his team, further shaking up his staff following a major political defeat when the Illinois General Assembly overrode his vetoes on a budget and spending plan.

Illinois has its first budget in more than two years after the House voted on Thursday to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s vetoes of three contentious bills that made it through both chambers in a special extended session.

Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) debated the good and bad of a property tax freeze with Tom Neely, former president of the Morton Illinois School Board USD 709, in the Illinois House on Friday.

“Today we’ve seen a complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said after the 100th session of the General Assembly closed. “Once again, a tragic failure to serve the people of Illinois. A tragic failure to pass a balanced budget along with critical structural changes to protect taxpayers and grow more jobs.”

A bill to provide College Affordability Grants to college students who maintain a "B" average passed the House on Monday despite criticism from Republicans such as Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) and C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville).

Several Republican representatives will announce their support for a comprehensive pension reform bill that is meant to improve the pension problems in the state, including the pension crisis in Chicago, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said on Friday.